Measles “Outbreak” in Indiana. Oh My! What WILL We Do?

By Marcella

Measles Outbreak?

There are two confirmed cases of measles in Indiana and two additional suspected cases. Officials in Indiana, New York and Massachusetts have been put on alert and are ready to spring to action, syringes in hand, to wipe out this highly contagious, “sometimes deadly” and “very preventable” disease.

Dr. John Christenson of Riley Hospital for Children here said in an email that although measles can be a fatal disease, it is also preventable.

Parents should take this opportunity to make sure their children are up to date on their shots, he said.

“While some parents may have concerns about the MMR vaccine, there is no evidence that this vaccine causes autism or other chronic adverse conditions,” Christenson said, referring to the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine that is a recommended childhood vaccination and usually needed to attend school.